Cotton is tough, but comfort cotton — tees, knit dresses, baby-soft sweaters — asks for gentleness. The same routine that keeps work shirts crisp will slowly ruin a favorite knit. Here's the routine our care team uses.
Wash warm, never hot
Warm water (around 30–40°C) cleans thoroughly without shocking fibers. Hot water is for towels and bedding, not for the tee you love.
Give knits room and protection
- Turn knits inside out to protect the visible face from friction.
- Use mesh bags for lightweight knits and anything with texture.
- Never overload — clothes clean by moving through water, not by sitting in it.
Dry low, finish flat
Low dryer heat preserves softness and stretch. Better still: pull knits out slightly damp and lay them flat on a towel, reshaping gently. They'll dry smooth and keep their shoulders.
Skip the fabric softener trap
Softeners coat cotton fibers in wax that builds up, reducing absorbency and breathability. A half-cup of white vinegar in the rinse softens naturally and rinses fully clean.
Prefer to skip the whole ritual? Our wash & fold specialists treat knits exactly this way, every load.
Daniel Okafor · Founder, FreshFold
